Cengage Learning

My first order of my online textbook through Cengage did not appear to go through, so I tried it again and subsequently ended up paying for two books. When I contacted Cengage customer service, they were less than helpful, and needless to say, I ended up paying for two textbooks.

My textbook rental experience was unpleasant and stressful. I most likely will not use their services again.
The class I took required the current edition of the textbook and there was no way around it. I opted renting since it is usually cheaper than purchasing the book which cost around $ 340. I checked with websites I’ve rented from before and there prices were around $ 100. It was higher than what I was accustomed to so I looked for an International version, which are normally more inexpensive, no luck. I looked for a soft cover instead of a hard cover, still no luck. After my many attempts I found Cengagebrain (Their book rental service). They offered around $ 54 and it was the cheapest price I was able to find. I ordered the book and received it in a reasonable amount of time.
I had the textbook in my possession for three months and returned it on the due date. They provided prepaid postage and all I had to do was deliver it to my nearest UPS store. I did exactly that and didn’t look back.
Fast forward three weeks later, I received an email stating that my rental has expired and CengageBrain has yet to receive the textbook I rented. Since this was the case, they were going to charge me the amount of the book (around $ 340). I looked at my credit card statement online and they charged me around $ 340. I was confused and angry. I referred back to my receipt from UPS and tracked the textbook. UPS delivered it and someone in CengageBrain signed for it.
I called their customer service and spoke with a young lady. Her system also stated that the textbook I rented was received BUT was refused. She offered to call me back after she had done some research and I agreed.
She didn’t call me back, I had to call again and see the status of my claim. I spoke with another young lady and conveyed to her my situation. She asked a few questions regarding if I had made the mistake in sending the wrong textbook in which does result in a refusal. I sent the correct textbook! In between the questions, I was put on hold for a long time. I kept my cool because I had a goal in mind which was to get credit back for $ 340.
In the end, I received credit back and some relief. However, this experience definitely left a sour taste in my mouth. I don’t want the extra stress of having to deal with faulty companies. I did receive credit back but I sure fought for it.
I will not rent a textbook for CengageBrain again!